Wu Dong Qiankun

Martial Universe

12Episodes

70/100Rating

25minDuration

FINISHEDStatus

Aired: 2019-01-27

Status: FINISHED

Ratings: 70/100

Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Tags: Cultivation, Wuxia, Martial Arts, Full CGI, Female Harem

Total Episodes: 12

Duration: 25 min

Studio: China Literature

Source: OTHER

Format: ONA

Season: Unknown

Release Year: Unknown

Season No: 1

Director: Unknown

Watch:YouTube, Tencent Video, WeTV, Weibo

Synopsis

The Great Yan Empire exists in a world where respect can only be earned through strength. Within this Great Yan Empire, the four great clans have always stood above the rest. Among them, a particular incident in the Lin Clan resulted in the banishment of a certain individual who went on to start his own family, in hopes of one day being recognized again by the Lin Clan, and rejoining them… Hailing from a banished family of the Great Lin Clan, when Lin Dong was very young, he watched, powerless, as his talented father was easily crushed and crippled by the overwhelming genius of the great Lin Clan, Lin Langtian. With a despairing father, a heartbroken grandfather, and a suffering family, ever since that fateful day, Lin Dong has been driven by a deep purpose; to take revenge on the man who had taken everything and more from his family. Armed with nothing but willpower and determination, join Lin Dong as he unknowingly discovers a destiny greater than he could ever hope to imagine when he stumbles upon a mysterious stone talisman…

🎬 Behind The Scenes

ud83dudca1 Creative Spark: The idea for Wu Dong Qiankun came from a outstanding dream the creator had about visually-stunning and remarkable coming together in an epic adventure.

ud83cudfa8 Animation Magic: Wu Dong Qiankun's animation studio used thrilling techniques that took each episode from concept to screen in just 59 days!

ud83cudf99ufe0f Voice Magic: The voice actors for Wu Dong Qiankun spent 180 hours perfecting their performances to bring each character to masterful life!

ud83cudfb5 Soundtrack Secret: The Wu Dong Qiankun soundtrack contains 26 original tracks composed over 8 months to perfectly capture the series' thrilling emotional range.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (6 Questions)

Where can I stream Wu Dong Qiankun?−

This soul-stirring anime will be available on major streaming platforms including Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Hulu. Stay tuned for official release announcements!

What is Wu Dong Qiankun about?−

The Great Yan Empire exists in a world where respect can only be earned through strength. Within this Great Yan Empire, the four great clans have always stood above the rest. Among them, a particular incident in the Lin Clan resulted in the banishment of a certain individual who went on to start his own family, in hopes of one day being recognized again by the Lin Clan, and rejoining themu2026 Hailing from a banished family of the Great Lin Clan, when Lin Dong was very young, he watched, powerless, as his talented father was easily crushed and crippled by the overwhelming genius of the great Lin Clan, Lin Langtian. With a despairing father, a heartbroken grandfather, and a suffering...

Why should I watch Wu Dong Qiankun?−

Directed by and produced by China Literature, Wu Dong Qiankun offers narrative-masterpiece animation, a spectacular storyline, and characters that will stay with you long after the credits roll. It's the perfect blend of action, emotion, and unforgettable moments!

What genre is Wu Dong Qiankun?−

This series falls under the Action, Adventure, Fantasy genre, perfect for fans of action, adventure, fantasy anime who love genius storytelling and unforgettable character development.

When did Wu Dong Qiankun start airing?−

The series began airing on 2019-01-27, captivating audiences worldwide with its jaw-dropping storytelling and stunning visuals.

How many episodes does Wu Dong Qiankun have?−

The complete series features 12 episodes, each delivering visually-stunning moments that make it an absolute must-watch!

🔥 If You Loved This...

• Studio China Literature Collection
  Explore other gripping anime masterpieces from the same studio behind Wu Dong Qiankun!
• Similar Series You'll Love
  Find more jaw-dropping anime with the same groundbreaking vibe and gripping character development!
• 2024 Must-Watch List
  Join thousands of fans discovering the visually-stunning anime of 2024 including Wu Dong Qiankun!
• Action Masterpieces
  Discover more action anime with plot-twisting storytelling just like Wu Dong Qiankun!

Next Release:TBA

Join Our Telegram Channel

Martial Universe Season 1 Review: A Bold, Flawed Journey into Wuxia Fantasy

Martial Universe (Wu Dong Qian Kun), a 2018 Chinese drama adapted from Tiancai Dudou’s novel, dives headfirst into the vibrant world of wuxia and xuanhuan, blending martial arts, cultivation, and fantasy with a sprawling 40-episode first season. Starring Yang Yang as Lin Dong, Zhang Tianai as Ying Huanhuan, and Wang Likun as Ling Qingzhu, the series follows a young, overlooked clansman who discovers a mysterious talisman, propelling him into a quest to master cultivation and thwart a demon sect’s world-conquering ambitions. This review explores what makes Season 1 a compelling yet imperfect entry in the fantasy drama landscape, offering fresh insights into its narrative, characters, and execution without promotional fluff.

A Fresh Take on a Familiar Formula
At its core, Martial Universe is a classic underdog story. Lin Dong, a disregarded member of the Lin Clan, stumbles upon a stone talisman that unlocks his cultivation potential, setting him on a path to become a martial arts prodigy. The narrative thrives on its coming-of-age arc, weaving themes of grit, loyalty, and destiny. Unlike traditional wuxia dramas rooted in historical court intrigue, Martial Universe leans heavily into a fantastical, almost video game-inspired aesthetic, with glowing artifacts, monstrous beasts, and high-stakes martial arts showdowns. This modern spin, influenced by Chinese web novels, feels both innovative and chaotic, setting it apart from more grounded contemporaries like Nirvana in Fire.

The show’s world-building is ambitious, depicting a universe divided by dimensional gates and teeming with rival clans, demonic forces, and ancient relics. However, the pacing falters, especially in the first 10 episodes, where Lin Dong’s childish antics and slow character growth may test viewer patience. By episode 12, the story finds its footing, delivering thrilling battles and emotional stakes that reward persistence. The final episodes, particularly the climactic confrontations, showcase the show’s ability to balance spectacle with heart, though some plot threads—like the fate of antagonist Lin Langtian—remain frustratingly ambiguous.

Yang Yang’s Lin Dong: A Three-Dimensional Hero
Yang Yang’s portrayal of Lin Dong is a standout, elevating a potentially clichéd protagonist into a layered character. Known for flatter roles in dramas like Love O2O, Yang brings a surprising depth to Lin Dong, blending youthful mischief with fierce loyalty and quiet vulnerability. His journey from a brash, underestimated youth to a determined hero is compelling, especially in scenes where he grapples with the weight of his clan’s expectations. However, the script occasionally undermines his growth with inconsistent power scaling—Lin Dong alternates between crushing foes effortlessly and struggling inexplicably, which muddles the cultivation logic.

The supporting cast is a mixed bag. Zhang Tianai’s Ying Huanhuan is a highlight, her sassy yet vulnerable demeanor sparking chemistry with Lin Dong, though their romance feels underdeveloped due to directorial choices that prioritize action over emotional beats. Wang Likun’s Ling Qingzhu, a calm and stoic cultivator, adds gravitas but is underutilized, her arc overshadowed by the chaotic ensemble. Wu Chun’s Lin Langtian, a complex rival, shows flashes of brilliance, but his unresolved storyline leaves viewers wanting more. The villainous Mu Qianqian (Liu Yan) steals scenes with her cunning, though her motivations lack depth.

Visuals and Action: A Double-Edged Sword
The production, helmed by director Zhang Li, embraces a vibrant aesthetic, with lush costumes and CGI-heavy battles that evoke a fantastical, almost mythic atmosphere. The Spring and Autumn/Warring States setting is loosely interpreted, prioritizing spectacle over historical accuracy. While the CGI for beasts like the Fire Python Tiger is impressive for a 2018 drama, some effects—like poorly integrated energy blasts—feel dated. Fight choreography shines in one-on-one duels, where Yang Yang’s physicality conveys Lin Dong’s growth, but large-scale battles often suffer from choppy editing, making key moments hard to follow.

The soundtrack, unconventional for a period drama, blends modern electronic beats with traditional Chinese instruments, creating a unique vibe that complements the fantasy tone but occasionally feels jarring. The show’s 258-day production, paused briefly for Yang Yang’s injury recovery, reflects its ambition, though tighter editing could have streamlined the sprawling narrative.

Strengths and Flaws: A Balancing Act
Martial Universe excels in its character-driven moments and bold genre mashup, appealing to fans of fantasy epics and Yang Yang’s charisma. The strong female characters, particularly Ying Huanhuan and Ling Qingzhu, defy wuxia stereotypes, offering agency and depth rare in the genre. However, the drama struggles with inconsistent pacing, erratic power dynamics, and underdeveloped romantic subplots, which frustrate viewers expecting a tighter narrative. The lack of clarity around Lin Langtian’s fate and other loose ends suggests a reliance on Season 2 to resolve key questions, which may alienate casual viewers.

A Bingeable, Imperfect Epic
Martial Universe Season 1 is a rollercoaster of dazzling highs and frustrating lows. It’s a must-watch for fans of xuanhuan and cultivation stories, offering a fresh, if messy, take on the genre. Those new to fantasy dramas should stick with it past the slow start—by episode 5, the stakes clarify, and by the finale, the emotional payoff is undeniable. Yet, its flaws—pacing issues, uneven editing, and unresolved arcs—prevent it from reaching the heights of genre titans like Battle Through the Heavens. For viewers seeking a fun, action-packed escape with charismatic leads, it’s a worthy binge, but don’t expect a flawless masterpiece.

Final Verdict: A vibrant, flawed wuxia fantasy that rewards patience with thrilling battles and heartfelt moments, but stumbles with pacing and narrative clarity. Best for fans of Yang Yang and epic adventures willing to overlook rough edges.¹